Rubi Light© Photo Healy Racing
Robbie Hennessy is hoping Rubi Light can take advantage of his drop in the ratings when he lines up for the HB Dennis Land Rover Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse on Saturday.
The nine-year-old has gone down from a career-high mark of 168 in March 2012 to 145, which allows him to run in a handicap for the first time since Punchestown in April 2013.
Winner of the John Durkan Memorial Chase three years ago, Rubi Light was fifth to Champagne Fever in the Clonmel Oil Chase two weeks ago on his first start since February.
He was given an entry in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle, but Hennessy has opted to run him nearer home.
"We just put him in at Newcastle to have a look. We said we'd keep him at home for the moment," said the County Meath trainer.
"We're dropping him down to handicap class and we'll see how he goes.
"He's in good form, we're very happy with him.
"He's got to carry top weight, but he's gone down a lot in his rating and that's given us a chance to go in a handicap.
"The trip is probably a shade too short for him, but we'll take a chance."
Sraid Padraig, winner of the corresponding race 12 months ago, bids for a repeat.
Tony Martin's charge was highly tried in his two subsequent starts last term, finishing unplaced in the Byrne Group Plate at the Cheltenham Festival and the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.
Others in a field of 13 include recent Cork winner Sitcom, trained by Christy Roche, Robert Tyner's duo of Byerley Babe and Way Up In Air and Henry de Bromhead's Clonbanan Lad.
